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Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2024!
TWP is an advanced wood preservative/protectant registered by the EPA. Performance and longevity can vary though depending on the wood type, how the wood is prepped, the age of wood, and how the TWP is applied. We want everyone who has decided to use TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series to have the best possible results.
TWP Stain Tips and Help
When asking questions please give us some information about your wood restoration project:
- What structure is your wood? Examples would be: Deck, Wood Siding, Fence, etc
- What species is the wood? Examples: Treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood, Ipe, etc
- Is the wood new or older than 1 year?
- Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Please specify brand name and type of stain used: Examples: Solid stain, Semi-Transparent Stain, etc.
- Any additional info that would be useful
Once you supply us with the information, we will able to give you advice as to how to prep your wood and any needed instructions for the TWP application.
Please ask your questions in the comment area.
Thanks
I am looking for a RGB color code 144 102 76 or Hextriplet 90664c which is what our HOA requires for our fence. They recommend Diamond Vogel – Stain #GS212 Cedar, but they are clear across town and apparently not in stock. Do you have anything in that color code? Thanks.
We do not.
I have quite a few spots and drips on the underlying concrete with TWP redwood stain. I tried mineral spirits, xylene, powerwashing ect…..What products do you suggest to remove the stains? PS. love your products. Been using them for 4 years on my deck!
Try a graffiti remover cleaner and then pressure washing.
Just did this last night and no effect was so ever. This TWP is so hardy stuff. I used a brush then powerwashed and used graffiti spray. Any other suggestions? I am at a loss. I think I may just have to acid etch the whole thing now.
Acid will not remove it. If the graffiti remover did not work then nothing probably will.
Hello, I installed new untreated cedar railings and balusters for a very small deck about 1.5 years ago. I did use some wood filler on screw holes. I would like to finish, just the railings, with the cedar tone 1500 twp stain.
For the prep, railings and balusters only, do I need to go all out with the Gemini products or could I just sand? I do not have access to a power washer.
Does the 1500 come in gallon size?
Thanks
Wood filler will not work on decking and will not “stain” to blend. You should remove it. Prep the wood with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing.
Applied TWP100 Nov 5 2020 .. now after 10 full months and a hot sunny summer the deck is looking faded and weak .. how do I go about restraining it this fall ? Prep? How many coats?
Lightly wash with water and then apply one coat.
I have a deck that has been sealed with Thompson’s transparent water seal on a yearly basis for 10+ years. I am wanting to use TWP 1500 Series on it. What product(s) do I need to prep this surface? The wood is in good condition but is a dirty gray color, probably, due to dirt and mold.
Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit for prep.
Will the RAD stripper and Brightener Kit harm the adjacent aluminum siding painted white?
It shouldn’t but always test first and or cover if needed.
Hello, I recently stained my rough saw cedar porch posts and header beam with TWP-1501-1 Gallon Cedartone. We had previously stained a gazebo out back with the same stain (different gallon container, but same color code) and the color was much lighter. The previous Gazebo was much more of an orange-brown/honey color and the posts are quite dark. My issue is that my porch beams are much darker than my wood accents on the front of the house and specifically the custom made door on the house we just built. It’s noticeable and I’m looking at options to strip or lighten the wood color. Having just spent two separate weekends prepping the wood and then staining, I hate that I followed through with the staining and I should have stopped early on last weekend when I noticed it seemed to be showing up darker on the rough saw posts. That’s on me, but now I’ve got to find a way to remedy the situation because changing the door color and the wood accents on the eaves and several accents on the front of the house are not an option. Please let me know what options may be available for lightening or stripping the 1501 Cedartone.
You cannot lighten it but you can remove it. Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit for prep.
Can the RAD Gel Additive still be applied via a pump sprayer? I have all vertical surfaces so I need it to “cling” as long a possible before pressure washing off. Thanks
Yes.
Is TWP 100 Available for the 46307 area code of Indiana? If not is there another oil or high end alkyd or oil/acrylic?
You need the TWP 1500 Series for Indiana. It is oil-based.
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Can UV Boost Stain Additive for Extra UV Protection be added to your 100 series to achieve additional protection from sun effects?
No and no need as well.
Hi we have a deck that has been added to 2 times. The first 2 parts are of unknown age, the 3rd we built last year and has weathered for just over a year now. We have tried to sand off the old stain from the older deck sections and it is incredibly difficult. Would the stripper work here? I think there is at least 3 applications of solid stain. Pics are of the new wood, older deck where we have started sanding, and the section we have not started yet. Need procedure from start to finish, it’s confusing since we have old and new deck to work with. Based in NJ so we’d need to use 1500.
You cannot strip off a solid stain. You will have to sand it off. Use the 1500 after.
Bought your product last year. Love it. 1500. Cleaned, Brightened and stained back railing. Fading a bit and need to apply this year.
1. Do I just use cleaner and re-stain. Or clean brighten and re-stain?
2. Do i need to light sand 60 or 80 before? Pictures attached.
Bristol NH. Picture attached.
Second issue
Started prep of front railing.
Completely sanded peeling product.
1. I bought your stripper and brightener but did not get your cleaner. My bad. I have 2 gallons of Behr All in One. Not to offend but can I use this and then use your Brightener? Then Stain. See pictures of before and after sanding with 60 grit. See second picture.
Clean and brighen for prep. Do not use the Behr.
Thank you. Follow up questions.
1. Can I apply cleaner, power wash, and wait a few days before applying the brightner? I read in your kit info that should brighten right after but would like to know max time I can wait. Rain for example….
2. How long can I wait before applying stain after brightening.
I did look through all your help and did not stumble on the answers so thanks for your patience if answered previously.
Thank you
GHM
1. Brighten the same day as cleaning for best results.
2. 1-2 weeks.
I’ve stained my deck (newly constructed from pressure-treated pine last summer) with TWP 103 Dark Oak after first using the two-step cleaning/brightening process. All went well except that the finished product is a noticeably darker than the sample of 103 that I tried first. Admittedly, I applied the sample to some scrap deck boards that had not been cleaned/brightened – perhaps that made the difference? In any event, I would like to lighten the finished deck now after-the-fact if that is possible. Two questions, first, is there any way to lighten the 103 Dark Oak finish, such as with mineral spirits or bleaching, after it has been applied? And, alternately, if I took a different approach, can the 105 Cap Cod Gray be used as a whitewash over the 103 Dark Oak? Thank you.
The only way to lighten is to mix the TWP Clear into the Dark Oak but you will have to strip off the Dark Oak that you have on the wood first. You cannot apply the Grays over the Dark Oak.
What product do you recommend for the stripping?
The Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener kit.
In Aug./ Sept. 2019, I restored my 40 yr old log home using your products: stripper, stain etc. It turned out AWESOME! Everybody thinks it is a new house. Used the 1500 series Cedar. I know when applied again the color will be darker. I want it to stay the caramel/golden color. Can I use a lighter color stain over the cedar to maintain that color.? If so, what do you suggest? Thank you for any info you can provide.
No, you need the same color and you always have to pep when reapplying with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing so it will be lighter after prep prior to stain.
thank you
I am building a new home. I have new 8×8 rough Fir posts, and exterior porch ceilings made of rough Fir & white wood spruce. this lumber does not have any stains or finishes applied.
I am curious as to what series of TWP stain I should use, and when I can apply it.?
All the wood is a rough finish.
Use the TWP 1500 Series and you can do it now.
I’m thinking about doing a maintenance coat on my deck, TWP1511. Any issues with leaves falling on the wet new stain?
None.
I have a pressure treated deck. I previously used Sikkens. It was applied incorrectly. I was initially going to re-stain with Sikkens but have decided to use your product instead. They had me strip the stain and then clean with a solution of bleach, TSP and water. Do you still recommend using the restore kit and brightener?
You have to fully remove the Sikkens. Has this be done? Post some pictures of the prep.
Yes, the deck was stripped and then cleaned with the solution of TSP, bleach and water. This was scrubbed on then power washed off. I have included pictures.
Yes, the deck was stripped of the Sikkens first. Then cleaned with the above mentioned solution. Then power washed.
Yup. Stripped first. Then cleaned with the above mentioned solution.
Prep looks good so no need to use the Gemini Kit.
Best news I had all week!!!! Thanks for the speedy reply. Have a great day!
How long between when the deck gets cleaned/prepped can you wait before you stain? Weather is not cooperating.
2 weeks.
I live in Scottsdale, Arizona. I was considering getting TWP Semi-Solid Pro Stain but I suspect it cannot be shipped here. Can you confirm?
If you cannot ship to Scottsdale, what is the best substitute?
Not to Scottsdale. You can use the TWP 1500 Series there.
Locations in Austin?
We sell online only as a TWP dealer.
Prep questions: Do you recommend using a power washer, and if so 1) what strength of PSI and what kind of wand tip (40 arc?) to wash the gemini cleaner and brightner. 2) Do you use the power washing to clean the boards BEFORE apply the gemini brightner? 3) what to do if I have no drill and drill bit/paddle to keep stain mixed? Just keep stirring periordically with a piece of wood?
1. Yes, about 1500-2000 psi. 40 or 25 degree.
2. You use the pressure washer after applying the step 1 cleaner.
3. Yes.
can I use TWP on roofing cedar shingles
Use, use the 200 series for shingles: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
How long does it take to be fully cured?
1-3 days.
I applied TWP 101 last Saturday. It rained on Sunday. Today is Monday and am wondering if I should wait until deck is dry before putting stuff on the deck, like barbecue and deck furniture?
You can as long as it is dry and fully cured.
We recently purchased a log home that used TWP101 a few years ago. The more exposed garage is in need of a retain. TWP 100s or TWP 1500s in Cedertone? Do I need to strip-it? Or Clean & Brightner? Or all three? Or just pressure wash? Thanks in advance
Post pictures for prep help and where are you located?
I’ll get some this weekend. Camden, TN
Camden, TN
Clean and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the 100 Series.
Thankyou
I have a treated pine fence. It was built one year ago. Do I need to do anything more than pressure washing and allowing to dry 48 to 72 hours before Appling TWP 101 stain?
You need to use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for prep.
Will I be able to easily wipe TWP 100 series stain off my black aluminum spindles while staining my wood deck?
If you do it right away and the spindles are smooth, not powder coated.
I have two-year old pressured treated pine deck never stained. I want a semi transparent, oil based, deck stain that gives best protection and ability to have one coat and possibly two. You have I see TWP 100 and TWP pro and TWP 1500. Which one of these are semi transparent oil basked and what do you recommend? Thanks.
Where do you live?
Michigan.
Use the TWP 100 Series.
Thank you. Two more questions-1) If I do not do a second coat and wait until next year to do second coat, will you still carry TWP 100 in summer of 2021 if I need to order more? 2) Will any leftover product I open still be usable a year from now? Thanks.
1. Yes.
2. https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Forgot to ask. What is the difference between TWP 100 and TWP 100 Pro Series? Which one do I get for MI?
The 100 and 100 Pro Series are the same thing.
Thanks. Does this mean if you ever stop selling TWP 100 the TWP 100 pro series might work as a coat on top of the TWP 100 in the future? ALSO, I have a 400 SF deck. Would 5 gallons be enough for two coats?
There are not two different products. There is only the TWP 100 Pro Series. Yes on coverage.
hello, I bought your product about 6 years ago Twp 1501 Cedartone and now is time to paint again my deck. I want to change the color and I thinking about the color and the colors that I like now is dark oak or rustic. do you have examples? I need 1503 dark oak and 1516 Rustic.
Either color would work. See some pictures here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
I’m making some farmhouse style outdoor furniture with cheap construction grade pine. Is TWP suitable for this and are there any special prep or finishing steps I should take?
The TWP will work but treat like new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I ordered and applied 2 gallons of 120 Pecan on a 10 year old deck that was never stained before. Everything was prepped properly. I used wet on wet application and the color was perfect. Unfortunately, I ran out and needed another gallon of 120 Pecan which I ordered. The stain was continuously stirred – as was done with the previously applied stain – but I noticed the color was much more orange (less brown). Seems odd since the wood was all same age and prepped the same. Do you have a suggestion to “even out” the color?
You would have to redo the prep and apply all at the same time so you have an even color throughout.
Hi, I’d like to use the TWP 1500 clear for my pressure treated deck, but it indicates no UV protection. What will happen to the finish if no UV protection is included?
Also, does the clear stain darken the pressure treated lumber? thank you
Clear does not change the color and will not protect from graying and it will gray in months. It must be a tinted color for UV protection.
Can I order a sample for TWP semi solid deck stain in the Boulder color and Thunderstorm color?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Is TWP good for wooden siding as well as decks? Is it ok touse the same color on both? Anything to know about applying product on either?
Works great for wood siding. You can do the same color.
How long does an unopened 5 gallon bucket of TWP 101 stain last?
About 3 years.
how to remove twp off vinyl?
Try a graffiti remove cleaner like goof off. Test spot first.
Is the natural color going to give a gold/brown color on rough sawn cleaned and dried poplar siding? Also, if I want to accent the trim beams, facia with a darker color what would you recommend. E. g., if I was using a Behr sealer and stain, I would use semi-transparent natural and a solid maybe cedartone for the trim.
Colors vary based on wood type and age so best to test TWP samples so you see who it will look like on your wood type.
Hi – I bought a new container of TWP100 stain in October of 2019 from which i only used a small amount. I was wondering whether it is okay to use the rest this fall or whether i should get a new container. I seem to remember reading that it should not be kept longer than 6 month (??) after opening.
Thanks
Katja
Shelf life is 12 months after being opened so it has probably gone bad.
I previously had a water based stain and a water sealer on my deck. I power washed and from sanded the deck one applied brightener. I note that water will still bead up on some sections. Am I still ok to apply 1500 stain?? Thx
Post some pictures.
Here are pics
No pics.
Hope these came through
is the product damaged when the twp stain (in a 5 gallon container) is left outside and is exposed to a couple of nights with temperatures in the 20s f? (daytime temps are in the 50s)….thanks
Hard to say until you open it. If clumpy and does not mix evenly, then it has gone bad.
How do I apply the cost of my samples to my order?
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I’m restoring an 1840 home which is on the National historic registry. We just installed untreated Eastern white cedar shingles ‘A grade on 2200 square feet of roofing and looking to spray on an oil based clear preservative. What TWP product would you recommend? Is there a clear product? If not what;s the next closest thing?
Use the TWP 200 Series. It is made for shakes and shingles: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-200-series-5-gallon
I’ve been using TWP 100 series semi-transparent stain 103 dark oak for 7 years and just found out it can no longer be shipped to Colorado. One solution is to switch to the 1500 series, but I already have 2 gallons of 103 stain from last season that I want to use up. So are the 103 and 1503 stains compatible such that they will not look noticeably different?
No, they are not the same color and should not be mixed.
I have an outdoor bench that is teak wood. It has been rubbed with teak oil, and another year stained and sealed (not TWP), but with hot sun for several years it is back to plain gray bare wood. Can I just sand it and stain it? and what product should I use?
All of the old coatings will need to be removed first then you can stain it. Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series.
I have a cedar fence that I stained with TWP100 Cedartone about 2 years ago. This summer I extended my fence with new cedar. It has dried out this summer and is ready for stain. The older stained sections appear to still be in good shape but they have darkened a little bit over time. What is the best way to get them to match?
Strip and brighten to remove the older stain. Clean and brighten the new wood. Stain all when doen.
Do I have to remove the old stain? Would just the restore kit work?
Yes, you have to remove the old stain if you want it to blend better.
I have a redwood deck on a house I just purchased that needs to be stained. I am not sure what has been used before but appears to have had at least 2 applications. The stain in areas that get direct sun appears somewhat oxidized, the wood grain does not show through the stain much, it is not chipping but worn off in places. Areas that do not get as much direct sun the grain shows through the stain slightly although it is deeply colored. Which stain type should I select the 100 series or the semi solid pro series. And can you give me some advise on how best to prep the deck to re-stain?
You will need to remove the current coatings first and that will require power sanding. Once sanded, use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. You can use any of the TWP stains after as long as they are allowed in your state.
Good afternoon,
We did some repairs to our front and back porches. The rear porch was completely replaced so all new wood. In the front, we replaced only the section that was bad so we have the old weathered stained surface and the patched area of new wood. Ideally, we’d like to use a darker brown color as opposed to the current reddish color. We’re in Southwest Washington and get a fair amount of rain. We have dogs that get things dirty pretty quick. It’s about 500sf. of porch.
Can you recommend a product and some thoughts on tackling the old/new wood surface? I’ll attach pics.
Thank you.
Sand off the old stain fully. Let all new and old wood weather for 4+ months after the sanding. Clean and brighen all with Gemini Kit and then apply the TWP in Dark Oak or Black Walnut
I have two 5 gallon buckets of 101 stain. What’s the easiest way to mix them before applying the stain? And what’s the best way to contain the stain while I’m applying it?
Mix with a 5-gallon paddle mixer that attaches to your drill. Pout stain into a paint tray or paint bucket.
Do you have a video on how to apply the TWP 101 with the deck brush? I used a roller last time and the stain didn’t get in the cracks between deck boards.
We do not have a video. It is very easy to apply with the floor brush. Similar to mopping a floor.
Is the 300 TWP series an unauthorized product? 315 light Cedar?
We do not sell the 300 Series on our site but it is an official TWP product.
I’m getting deck ready for twp stain. Sanded to bare wood (about 16 mos old) no prior stain or preservatives. Used Gemini per instructions yesterday. Washed with garden hose for 10 minutes after cleaner and also after brightner. Today wood is dry but has a white powder residue. Do I need to was again for longer time?? Scrub it with water? Or should I go ahead and stain tomorrow after 2nd day of drying.Thanks for suggestions .
Post pictures.
See attached
Looks okay to stain. Just one coat as the wood does not look very absorbent.
How long after it rains can I apply TWP 101 stain on my deck?
48 hours.
I built a outdoor cedar arbor/trellis to grow grapes on. Are your stains safe for use with fruit or vegetable plants? How long does it take for your stains to cure?
Once fully dried and cured, it is safe. Typically 2-7 days. Use the 100 or 1500 Series.